VinFast Finally Delivers a Handful of SUVs to California Buyers

After delays, layoffs, and less-than-perfect initial reviews, VinFast has finally delivered its first vehicles to U.S. customers. The automaker announced that 45 new VF 8 City Edition EVs made it to customers at nine locations across California, a small portion of the 999 vehicles it imported. 

VinFast delayed deliveries to install software updates across the first-run imports and is offering comprehensive after-sales support to customers with roadside assistance, mobile service, and a 10-year battery warranty. 

The automaker is hosting test drive events for potential customers across California, but it has a long way to go to break into the rapidly heating U.S. EV market. Last month, VinFast announced 150 layoffs in the U.S., raising questions about its future, but the deliveries are a positive sign that it plans to stay. 

VinFast initially announced a quirky battery leasing scheme, in which buyers purchased the EV and essentially rented the batteries separately, but abandoned that plan after much confusion and criticism. The VF 8 City Edition SUVs being delivered have an estimated range of 179 miles and a premium price tag of $50,200. VinFast offers a somewhat reasonable lease scheme with a $399 monthly payment, but the SUV is only available to California buyers.

[Image: VinFast]

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